Copa América fever hits Atlanta: Tickets soar as fans gear up for kickoff

Copa America ticket prices in Atlanta

The massive international soccer tournament Copa America is just around the corner, and the opening match kicks off at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thursday night. Argentina will face off against Canada in the first match of the tournament and it's expected to be a hot ticket.

ATLANTA - The Copa América kicks off in Atlanta on Thursday and ticket demand is skyrocketing for some of the games.

According to Vivid Seats, there is a significant interest in the tournament, particularly for the Canada vs. Argentina match. The game is the second hottest in the tournament, with an average ticket price of $435.

SEE ALSO: Copa América 2024: Your guide to team groups, schedules, and top players

What is the ‘Messi Effect?’

Soccer fans gather to see Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi's presence in Atlanta is being felt ahead of Thursday's Copa America match between Argentina and Canada. A FOX 5 viewer shared video showing the exciting crowd cheering on Messi as he left his Downtown hotel.

This surge in demand can be attributed to the "Messi Effect," as defending champion Argentina remains the most sought-after team with an average ticket price of $462.

Canada, too, is drawing considerable attention as the fourth most in-demand team, with tickets for their games averaging $307. According to Vivid Seats' Fan Forecast, Argentine fans are projected to dominate the crowd, making up 66% of attendees for the game against Canada on Thursday. Fans are traveling 452 miles to witness the Copa América debut in Atlanta.

Copa América fans flood Atlanta

Copa mania hits Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Downtown Atlanta. Thousands of soccer fans are coming together for the kickoff. World Cup Champs Argentina will go against Canada and fans have come from all over the world to show support.

The overall popularity of Copa América has soared, with this year's average ticket price at $283, a 98% increase compared to the 2016 tournament when it was last hosted in the U.S.

'Messi effect' hits Atlanta

Lionel Messi, who is considered the world's greatest player, has made his way to Atlanta to play on Team Argentina ahead of their Copa America match.

What is Copa America?

Copa América is the oldest international continental football competition, having begun in 1916. It stands as a significant event in the football world, drawing teams from across South America to compete for regional supremacy. Originally known as the South American Championship, the tournament was rebranded as Copa América in 1975, and occasionally includes guest teams from outside the continent to enhance competition.

Copa América fans flood Atlanta

Governed by the Confederación Sudamericana de Fútbol (CONMEBOL), Copa América's format typically features a group stage followed by knockout rounds. With a varying number of teams over the years, the tournament celebrates the skill and cultural diversity of South American football, with giants like Uruguay, Argentina, and Brazil frequently contending for the title.

Freestyle soccer in Downtown Atlanta

Alexander Mendoza and his group of freestyle soccer players perform around the world, and they'll be part of tonight's grand opening ceremony at the Copa America opening match.

Copa América's role in football history is immense, with legendary participant players like Pelé, Diego Maradona, and Lionel Messi contributing to its storied legacy. Victories in the tournament often lead to national jubilation, encapsulating the significant cultural and emotional investment of the fans.

The cultural impact of Copa América extends beyond football, influencing music, art, and literature, and acts as a unifying force that transcends national boundaries. It promotes a shared heritage and passion for the game amongst diverse South American cultures.